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Information > for siblings
 
 
If you're reading this, you probably have a brother or sister who has cancer. You may be worried, frustrated, sad, or angry. You may even feel jealous that your brother or sister is getting so much attention. It's OK to feel all of these things. Just about all brothers and sisters do in your situation. The good news is there are a lot of people out there who know just what you're going through, and they can help you a lot. Talk to your parents, your brother or sister's nurse or doctor, and ask about programs for siblings of kids with cancer. It'll also help to know a little about what your brother or sister is going through.

Cancer is a serious disease, but more and more kids survive it and go on to live a long time. Even still, treatment can sometimes take many months, so you'll have some new things to get used to. You may find your life changed for a while. Your parents may spend time a lot of time in the hospital, and daily life around the house may not be the same while your sister or brother gets better. The best thing you can do for yourself and your brother or sister is to be there for them like you always have. They may be more tired than usual, or not able to play the way they did before, but just hanging out and having fun together--even if it's in the hospital-- will let them know you care.

If you want to learn more about cancer and what your brother or sister is going through, The CancerSourceKids web site is a great place to start. Be sure to get your parent's permission first, though. Nurses who specialize in treating kids with cancer created this site. It has great information for brothers and sisters of kids with cancer, plus information for parents who need help with siblings of children with cancer.

You'll also find it helps to talk to other kids who are in the same situation as you are. Children's hospitals, the American Cancer Society, and other groups often arrange for groups of kids like you to get together and talk about what they are going through. This way you can find out how others have coped, and you'll get some great tips for dealing with some of the hard times. Ask the nurse, doctor or social worker at the hospital to tell you about what programs are available there.

There are also kids who meet on line to talk about children's cancer and share their thoughts with others. Again, be sure to get your parent's permission first. Chatting with other kids can sometimes be a big help, especially if you live far from the hospital. You can get support, feedback and make friends from on-line discussion groups. You can also check out some great web sites made just for kids like you, like the Sibling Support Project and CancerSourceKids.com Check the Links area of this web site for more organizations with information for kids.

 

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For more information about cancer and its treatment, call the Cancer
Therapy & Research Center Information line at 1-800-340-2872.
 
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